Cement trucks are used on Norfolk roads and highways to transport wet cement for the construction of our roads, foundations, and buildings. These massive trucks can weigh approximately 30,000 pounds when empty and an additional 30,000 pounds or more when transporting cement. The victims in passenger vehicles involved in cement truck accidents can suffer catastrophic injuries or death.
Unique Factors That Lead to Cement Truck Accidents
Cement mixer truck collisions can be caused by many negligent actions of the truck driver or trucking company. Drowsy driving, distracted driving, intoxication, lack of truck maintenance, and improper loading are a few common causes. However, there are also unique characteristics of cement truck wrecks that make them extremely dangerous. These include:
- Speeding. Cement can harden in a mixer within 60 to 90 minutes of being loaded. Because of this, cement truck drivers often speed between locations. Speeding is very dangerous and leads to accidents because it takes a cement truck longer to slow or stop at faster speeds. In addition, the force of impact will be greater and can result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. If the cement leaks out of the mixer in the collision, the likelihood of a multi-vehicle collision is significant.
- Rollovers. Cement trucks have a higher center of gravity than other commercial trucks. Because of this, rollover accidents are common even when the cement truck is traveling at less than 10 mph or has slowed to turn.
- Inexperience. Due to the additional challenges of driving a cement truck, its drivers must be especially experienced and skilled in basic trucker skills, such as navigating a turn, handling an uneven or shifting load, and being alert to road conditions and nearby drivers. When a trucker lacks experience or training, a dangerous truck accident is much more likely.
Liability in a Cement Truck Accident Can Be Complex
If you were injured in a cement mixer crash, more than the negligent truck driver may face liability for compensating you for your injuries. The trucking company could also be responsible under the theory of vicarious liability or for its own negligence. In some cases, the truck may be used at a large construction project where the truck and truck driver are under the control of the construction company. They could also be liable for compensating you if this situation applies. Other parties, such as a truck maintenance company or truck manufacturer, may also be at blame, depending on the cause of your crash.
Our experienced truck accident attorneys can help identify all the negligent parties responsible for compensating you for your injuries in a cement truck accident and negotiate your settlement with them so that you receive what you deserve. To learn about our track record of success in truck accident cases and how we can assist you, fill out our online form to schedule your free case evaluation today.
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